Lionel Messi's "phone call" and a perfect test score for Barca
Beyond this side note, Messi had a wonderful game against Celta, scoring two and setting up two, while Barcelona as a whole were excellent
Who was Lionel Messi sending a message to after his stratospheric goal? After scoring the opener for Barcelona the forward celebrated by turning to the presidential box, with a serious expression, and made the sign of a phone call with his hands. And later he signalled, looking more serious still, to a Camp Nou stand. What did it mean?
We may never find out, because Messi is very unlikely to explain it. But interpretations of it have begun. And the most controversial, and perhaps worrying, is a suggestion that ti was a message for president Bartomeu. Something like “when are you going to ring me for my renovation?”
It would be a scandal if so—that Barcelona’s board have not got in contact with him to seal his new deal. Because Messi staying is Barcelona’s No 1 priority. Everything else is secondary. And if Messi has launched a public message to Bartomeu to complain it would suggest a very worrying atmosphere.
Beyond this side note, Messi had a wonderful game against Celta, scoring two and setting up two, while Barcelona as a whole were excellent.
The trident were in a state of grace once more. There was an exhibition from Neymar, who scored too, while Sergi Roberto was like the fourth midfielder but in attack, while the defence of three gave away few chances.
The first game after Luis Enrique announced he would be leaving Barcelona was an excellent showing ahead of the big challenge on Wednesday vs PSG. They have to come back from 4-0 down. A titanic task. But if any team can do it, it’s Barcelona. They showed it on Saturday. Five goals, good football, intensity, and above all the will to fight for La Liga. And the Champions League.
